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Minnesota

Calliope

The Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope) is the smallest of all hummingbirds that breed in the U.S. in fact an adult weighs about the same as a penny! They are nearly silent which is ironic because their species name in Greek means "beautiful voice". KEY CHARACTERISTICS The Calliope Hummingbird is very small with a very short tail and a short black bill. The adult male has a gorget that consists of red to reddish-purple streaks over a white background which is very unique. DISTRIBUTION Breeds primarily in the higher elevations from northern Baja California north to south eastern British Columbia, east to western Montana and western Wyoming. While definitely concentrated in the Northwest, vagrants have been spotted in much of the central U.S. as well as the Southeast.

The Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) is deserving of its impressive name by its dramatic size and color. The adult males are a gaudy dark emerald with a brilliant metallic violet to purple crown. The Magnificent was formerly known as the Rivoli's Hummingbird in honor of Victor Massena, Duke of Rivoli. KEY CHARACTERISTICS The Magnificent is the second largest hummingbird to visit North America. It is slim with a long neck, bill, and tail. The adult males plumage will be a dark emerald and the crown will will appear metallic and range from violet to purple. Behind the eye will be a triangular white spot which will contrast with the dark face. DISTRIBUTION The Sky Islands mountain ranges of west Texas, south-east Arizona, and south-western and south-central New Mexico are where the Magnificent hummingbird breeds. Young males tend to be nomads and have been documented in a number of states including Colorado, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

The Ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris) is the most widespread hummingbird in North America and the most common species that breeds in the East. For many years it was considered to be the only species that would breed in the East. Still, if you draw a line from Texas to Minnesota and you want to see a Ruby-throated your best chance will be to look to the East. To reach these nesting grounds each spring, most take a direct route across the Gulf of Mexico, flying nonstop over 500 miles of open water. KEY CHARACTERISTICS The males have an iridescent ruby-red throat and a black patch that extends from below the bill to behind and below the eye. DISTRIBUTION Breeds in eastern North America north to southern Quebec, west to south-central Alberta, the eastern edge of the Dakota's, Nebraska, south-eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma and Texas, rarely in the southern tip of Florida. Winters mainly in the tropics from southern Veracruz west across lowlands to southern Sinaloa, to the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Western Nicaragua and western Costa Rica. Small number of birds winter along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Vagrants have been spotted in Colorado, California, New Mexico and even Alaska (That one must have really been lost)

The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) has a temperament to match its beautiful fiery color. Its very aggressive nature can make him unwelcome at feeders if you want other visitors as well. Maybe the Rufous's temperament correlates to the difficult nature of the travels they endure each year with the annual migration as they breed further north than any other hummingbird and travel incredible distances to do so. KEY CHARACTERISTICS The Rofous hummingbird is relatively small with a medium-short bill that is all black. The plumage is a beautiful rust color (rufous) and may be speckled with green. You will definitely know when you see one. DISTRIBUTION Breeds from extreme north-western California, most of Oregon and Washington, central and northern Idaho, western Montana, most of British Columbia, north to coastal southeast Alaska. The Rufous possibly should be nicknamed The Wanderer due to the fact that they are strongly prone to wandering during the fall migration. At this time they could appear almost anywhere in North America. Maybe they are just taking their time to return to their winter homes primarily in Mexico or occasionally along the U.S. Gulf Coast.